Friday, June 13, 2008

New Review for Father's Day: KEEPING THE NIGHT WATCH

In honor of the upcoming Father’s Day on Sunday, I’d like to highlight a new poetry book by Hope Anita Smith, Keeping the Night Watch (Henry Holt, 2008). It’s her second book for young people, a companion to her first work of poetry, The Way a Door Closes (Henry Holt, 2003). In the first book, an urban African American family copes with the departure of the father when hard times have hit. It’s a compelling work for ‘tweens and teens with sensitive illustrations by E. B. Lewis. In this companion volume (which can stand on its own, by the way), the father has returned. You might think it would be a happy, easier time, but this transition brings it’s own difficulties and challenges as the father tries to re-integrate into the family. In particular, the voice of the poetry is that of the oldest son in the family of 3 kids, and he’s bitter and angry. He has stepped up and served as the “man of the house,” blossoming in responsibility, and “keeping the night watch” as the title suggests. He struggles with giving up this role and with forgiving his father’s failure. Here’s one example poem that captures these feelings:

Showdown at the O.K. Corralby Hope Anita Smith

When Daddy left,our house was empty,too big for the rest of us.We couldn’t fill up all the space.Now that he’s back,I can’t find a place to fit.There isn’t enough room for me.Daddy looks the same,but something’s different.He takes up too much space.He’s in my space.His eyes are constantlywaving the white flag of surrender,but I am like a gunfighter in the Old West.I walk around with my words drawn,ready to fire.Because this house isn’t big enoughfor the two of us.

I thought you might want to add Lee Bennett Hopkins' title, BEEN TO YESTERDAYS to your list of books about fathers. Anita Hope Smith's book reminded me of Lee's poignant images of the departed father.Best regards,Michele Krueger

About Me

Sylvia Vardell is a professor and author of the ALA bestseller POETRY ALOUD HERE, also POETRY PEOPLE, CHILDREN'S LITERATURE IN ACTION, and the co-editor of THE POETRY FRIDAY ANTHOLOGY series (for K-5 and for 6-8), as well as the first digital anthologies of poetry for young people, the POETRY TAG TIME series-- all in collaboration with poet Janet Wong. Vardell is also the poetry columnist for ALA’s BOOK LINKS magazine. A frequent speaker at conferences, Vardell chaired the NCTE Poetry Award committee and has served as a consultant to the Poetry Foundation.